He tried to enter Japan using a fake passport in May 2001. This was to visit Disneyland. This caused his father to not approve of him.[1] Kim Jong-nam's younger half-brother Kim Jong-un was made the heir in September 2010.[2]

In June 2010, Kim Jong-nam gave a brief interview to the Associated Press in Macau.[3] He told the reporter that he had "no plans" to defect to Europe. The press had recently said this.[3] Kim Jong-nam lived in an apartment on the southern tip of Macau's Coloane Island until 2007.[4] An anonymous South Korean official reported in October 2010 that Jong-nam had not lived in Macau for "months", and now goes between China and "another country."[4]

When his father died, Kim Jong-nam did not attend the funeral. This was to avoid rumours on the succession.[5]

The South Korean newspaper The Chosun Ilbo said that Kim Jong-nam has two wives, at least one mistress, and several children.[4] His first wife Shin Jong-hui (born c. 1980) and their son Kum-sol (born c. 1996) live at a home called Dragon Villa on the northern outskirts of Beijing.[4] His second wife Lee Hye-kyong (born c. 1970), their son Han-sol (born c. 1995) and their daughter Sol-hui (born c. 1998) live in an apartment building in Macau.[4] Jong-nam's mistress, former Air Koryoflight attendant So Yong-la (born c. 1980), also lives in Macau.[4]

Jong-nam is often given attention by the media for his gambling and extravagant spending.[6]